Kirk Franklin will be featured on the cover of the April 6, 2009 edition of Jet Magazine.

He discusses the power of Gospel music in today’s tough times, the new season of BET’s “Sunday Best” and his new partnership with American Heart Association.

Franklin has teamed up with the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke Movement to launch the “Fight of Our Life Health Tour.”

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in African Americans and through this partnership Kirk Franklin will encourage them to make a declaration to take control of their health by knowing their risk factors for stroke, how to detect the warning signs and ultimately how to live healthier lives to reduce their risk from this devastating disease.

He’s made a “Declaration” to dedicate a seven-city concert tour to fight stroke in the following cities:

June 5 Houston, TX

June 6 San Antonio, TX

July 12-13 Tulsa & Oklahoma City, OK

August 8 Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX

August 9 Austin, TX & Little Rock, AR

In each city, Kirk Franklin is looking for local Gospel artists, rappers, praise dancers, and choirs to audition to be his opening act.